Making Visible the Invisible

Newsletter March 27, 2022 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

How can you tell someone’s intentions? You can’t. Not unless they back them up with action, making the invisible visible.

If you have been paying attention to international news lately, you will have been flooded with information about the mass protests taking place in Israel right now. Reports have indicated that 200,000 dedicated Israelis flooded the streets in Tel Aviv with 430,000 more gathering in Jerusalem and other cities to stand against the recent actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his conservative coalition. This goes along with strikes by port workers, the shutting down of the airport and malls and McDonald's, and the personal fasting by over 30 mayors drawing attention to the issue as a threat to democracy. 

For some, these protests are a surprising development—many had no idea that so many Israelis felt this way about the sharp turn to the right the government has taken in the last decade. Indeed, seeing this many people in the streets makes visible the resistance to Netanyahu’s rule, and pressured him into postponing a vote that would further his agenda. 

This is why taking a public stand on moral issues is important. It is important to sign petitions, speak at press conferences, and march in protests. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, dear rabbi famous for his deep involvement in the Civil Rights Movement said, marching in protests even on Shabbat was a way of “praying with [his] feet.” Making the invisible moral values he held physical, visible.  Literally standing in solidarity with communities is as important as morally standing in solidarity. 

Standing in solidarity made a difference in Los Angeles just last week as well in the second largest school district in the United States. Janitors and teachers, along with families in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), stood together in solidarity, waging a massive three day strike which shut down school. In the end, pay was raised (still not a living wage but now more in line with minimum wage), benefits were added, and back pay was agreed to be disbursed. Human dignity is lifted when people stand together. 

Friday is International Transgender Day of Visibility, and I have organized and will proudly represent the Keeping It Sacred community at a press rally where interfaith clergy will stand up as, or in solidarity with, the Trans* Community. To make our invisible moral position clear.

Those of you able to get to Pasadena, California, are invited to join our KITS Community contingent. Please contact me for further information.

Those of you in other areas of the country or world are encouraged to think about how you might make your moral position of insistence upon dignity and equity and inclusion known. Perhaps by writing a letter or asking a question at an institution you frequent.

Some may ask a question about the inclusion of trans students in the schools you work at or send your kids to, a question about the membership forms that are required at your gym, or a question about the presence of trans public restrooms. There are so many ways to support of the Trans community. 

Wherever you are, as you are able, please consider making your invisible support for any and all communities working for dignity, visible. 

This is how we can keep community sacred. 

Together, we're #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

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The above is an excerpt from a Keeping It Sacred newsletter. If you want to read the entire newsletter or any from our archives, please head over to: keepingitsacred.com/news 

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Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred...